Method and Apparatus for Securing a Face Mask

ABSTRACT

Provided is an article for securing a face mask including: a body that is formed of an elongated flexible, cord-like material of cloth, chain, leather, cord, or a combination thereof; a first end on the body, wherein the first end has a first attachment member that receives a first associated ear loop of an associated mask; a second end on the body, wherein the second end includes a second attachment member that receives a second associated ear loop of the associated mask; a first auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 or about 1 and 10 or about 10 inches from the first end; a second auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 or about 1 and 10 or about 10 inches from the second end; and an implement that mounts to the body between 1 or about 1 and 10 or about 10 inches from the first end or the second end.

I. BACKGROUND A. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to methods and apparatuses and articles related to the use and wearing of masks, such as are used in pandemics for health reasons, and more specifically to a method of storing a mask in a handy, readily accessed way, that is attractive and simple.

B. Description of Related Art

A mask, such as a surgical mask, or a cloth mask, may be used in a pandemic to reduce the likelihood of receiving or spreading germs. Masks have been around for many years. Typically, a mask is fitted to a user by a first and second ear loop which go behind the user's ears and, via the use of an elastic ear loop, which holds the mask against the user's face, thereby covering the user's nose and mouth. However, when the mask is not in use, it is difficult and inconvenient to carry it or keep it handy for subsequent use. One common option is to put the mask in a pocket or a purse, or lay it on a nearby surface, but this can result in damage or contamination to the mask, and inconvenience in locating and wearing it quickly. Another common way is to simply put one's hand through an ear loop, but then the mask can be bothersome, such as when eating or working at a desk.

What is needed is a convenient and fashionable method and apparatus for storing the mask at-the-ready when not in use but facilitating quick and easy access to the mask when desired.

II. SUMMARY

The invention includes an article for temporarily storing an associated mask so that it can be quickly and easily removed and reapplied.

Provided in this disclosure is an article for securing a face mask including: a body that is formed of an elongated flexible, cord-like material of cloth, chain, leather, cord, or a combination thereof; a first end on the body, wherein the first end has a first attachment member that receives a first associated ear loop of an associated mask; a second end on the body, wherein the second end includes a second attachment member that receives a second associated ear loop of the associated mask; a first auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between about 1 or 1 and about 10 or 10 inches from the first end (in some cases at about 5 or 5 inches from the first end); a second auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between about 1 or 1 and about 10 or 10 inches from the second end (in some cases at about 5 or 5 inches from the second end); and an implement that mounts to the body between about 1 or 1 and about 10 or 10 inches from the first end or the second end (in some cases at about 5 or 5 inches from the first or the second end).

In accordance with another aspect of the present teachings, the article for securing a face mask is disclosed comprising a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed of an elongated flexible, cord-like material of cloth, chain, leather, cord, or a combination thereof, wherein the body is between about 18 or 18 to about 30 or 30 inches in overall length; a first attachment member on the first end, wherein the first attachment member is a spring-loaded clasp that has a lever that, when depressed, opens a recess to receive a first associated ear loop of an associated mask; a second attachment member on the second end, wherein the second attachment member is the spring-loaded clasp with the lever that, when depressed, opens the recess to receive a second associated ear loop of the associated mask; a first auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between about 1 or 1 and about 10 or 10 inches from the first end, wherein the first auxiliary strand is about 3 or 3 inches to about 6 or 6 inches in length; a second auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between about 1 or 1 and about 10 or 10 inches from the second end, wherein the second auxiliary strand is about 3 or 3 inches to about 6 or 6 inches in length; and an implement that mounts to the body between about 1 or 1 and about 10 or 10 inches from the first end or the second end, wherein the implement comprises a small watch, medical gauges, electronic devices, a thermometer, a pedometer, a pen or writing utensil, ear buds, a mobile phone, a blood pressure monitor, or a combination thereof.

Additionally, provided in this disclosure is a method for securing a face mask comprising the steps of: providing an article for securing a face mask comprising: a body that is formed of an elongated flexible, cord-like material of cloth, chain, leather, cord, or a combination thereof; a first end on the body, wherein the first end has a first attachment member that is a spring-loaded clasp with a lever that, when depressed, opens a recess; a second end on the body, wherein the second end has a second attachment member that is the spring-loaded clasp with the lever that, when depressed, opens the recess; a first auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 and 10 inches from the first end; a second auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 and 10 inches from the second end; and an implement that mounts to the body between 1 and 10 inches from the first end or the second end; placing the article around an associated user's neck, such that the body rests on the associated user's neck; depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the first attachment member to open the recess; inserting a first associated ear loop of an associated mask into the open recess on the first attachment member; releasing the lever on the spring-load clasp on the first attachment member to close the recess; depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member to open the recess; inserting a second associated ear loop of the associated mask into the open recess on the second attachment member; and releasing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member to close the recess.

Also provided is a method for making a face mask holding article. The method includes the following steps: providing a body that is formed of an elongated flexible, cord-like material of cloth, chain, leather, cord, or a combination thereof, wherein the body has a first and a second end; providing a first attachment member on the first end of the body, wherein the first attachment member comprises a spring-loaded clasp with a lever which when depressed, opens a recess; providing a second attachment member on the second end of the body, wherein the second attachment member comprises a spring-loaded clasp with a lever which when depressed, opens a recess; providing a first auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 or about 1 and 10 or about 10 inches from the first end; providing a second auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 or about 1 and 10 or about 10 inches from the second end; and providing an implement that mounts to the body between 1 and 10 inches from the first end or the second end.

According further aspects of the method for making a face mask holding article, the first auxiliary strand includes a first attachment member, wherein the first attachment member includes a spring-loaded clasp with a lever which when depressed, opens a recess and the second auxiliary strand includes a second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member includes a spring-loaded clasp with a lever which when depressed, opens a recess.

According further aspects of the method for making a face mask holding article, the method includes the following steps: depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the first attachment member at the first end of the body to open the recess; inserting a first associated ear loop of an associated mask into the open recess on the first attachment member at the first end of the body; releasing the lever on the spring-load clasp on the first attachment member to close the recess; depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member at the second end of the body to open the recess; inserting a second associated ear loop of the associated mask into the open recess on the second attachment member at the second end of the body; and releasing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member at the second end of the body to close the recess.

According further aspects of the method for making a face mask holding article, the method includes the following steps: depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the first attachment member of the first auxiliary strand to open the recess; inserting the implement into the open recess on the first attachment member of the first auxiliary strand; releasing the lever on the spring-load clasp on the first attachment member of the first auxiliary strand to close the recess; depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member of the second auxiliary strand to open the recess; inserting the implement into the open recess on the second attachment member of the second auxiliary member; and releasing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member of the second auxiliary member to close the recess.

According further aspects of the method for making a face mask holding article, the method includes the following steps: depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the first attachment member at the first end of the body to open the recess; inserting the second attachment member at the second end of the body into the open recess on the first attachment member at the first end of the body; and releasing the lever on the spring-load clasp on the first attachment member to close the recess.

According further aspects of the method for making a face mask holding article, the implement includes a small watch, medical gauges, electronic devices, a thermometer, a pedometer, a pen or writing utensil, ear buds, a mobile phone, a blood pressure monitor, a face mask or a combination thereof.

Other benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a top view of an article according to the invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a top, close-up view of an article according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the article being worn by an associated user

FIG. 4 is a front view of the article being worn by an associated user, so that the associated mask is not visible.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show various views of another embodiment of the article including views of the article being worn by an associated user.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show a top view of other embodiments of the article.

FIG. 7 is a top view of one embodiment of the article.

FIG. 8 is a top view of one embodiment of the article.

FIG. 9 is a top view of one embodiment of the article.

FIG. 10 is a top view of several embodiments of the article.

FIG. 11 is a front view of one embodiment of the article in the form of a kit, the kit including the article positioned inside a bag having a closure mechanism, such as a drawcord.

FIG. 12 is a top view of three embodiments of the article.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numbers are understood to refer to like components. The figures show the inventive method and design. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B and 2C, a representative embodiment of the article 10 is shown. The article 10 comprises a body 12 which may be comprised of any suitable material, including chain, cloth, cord, or other generally elongated, flexible members. The article 10 includes first and second ends, 16, 18 respectively. A first attachment member 22 is located at the first end 16 of the article 10. Likewise, a second attachment member 24 is located at the second end 18 of the article 10.

Further referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B and 2C, and with special reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C an enlarged view of the second end 18 of the article 10, along with the second attachment member 24, is shown. In this embodiment, the second attachment member 24 is a spring-loaded clasp, sometimes called a “lobster claw” clasp, where a lever 28 can be depressed, thereby opening up a recess 32 of the second attachment member 24, allowing it to selectively receive first and second associated ear loops 44, 46 of an associated mask 40, as will be illustrated later. In another aspect of the present teachings, the first attachment member 22 functions as the spring-loaded clasp, wherein the lever 28 can be depressed, thereby opening up the recess 32 of the first attachment member 22.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5A through 5D, the use of the inventive article 10 will be described. As shown in the Figures, in particular FIG. 3, an associated user 36 places the article 10 around their neck, such that the body 12 rests on the associated user's 36 neck. The associated mask 40 is shown. In FIG. 3, the associated mask 40 is a paper mask with a filtration level of KN95, and it features the associated ear loops 44, 46. In this embodiment, the associated ear loops 44, 46 are made of cloth and are elastic. When the associated mask 40 is not in use, but is desirably close by, the first associated ear loop 44 can be selectively received within the recess 32 of the second attachment member 24, or otherwise secured by the second attachment member 24. Similarly, the second associated ear loop 46 can be selectively received within the recess 32 of the first attachment member 22. Thereby, the associated mask 40 can hang comfortably around the associated user's 36 neck until it is desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, if desired, the associated mask 40 can be rotated 180° so it is on the back of the associated user's 36 neck (not shown), or even tucked into the associated user's 36 collar (not shown) so that the associated mask 40 is not visible and only the decorative body 12 of the article 10 is shown. The body 12 can be arranged in different styles and designs should this wearing option be desirable. The article 10 can be made of beautiful chains with high fashion attractiveness, or the article 10 can simply be made of a cloth cord or any other suitable material, depending on the desire of the user. For example, with reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the body 12 of the article 10 is manufactured of a cloth cord or alternatively with reference to FIGS. 5A through 5D, may be manufactured of a metal or other material having links.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, specific design elements of the article 10 will be described. In one embodiment of the invention, near the first end 16 and the second end 18 of the body 12, a first and a second auxiliary strand 50, 52 are added. In the one embodiment, the first and second auxiliary strands 50, 52 are about three or three inches long and attach to the body 12 between about one (1) or one (1) and about ten (10) or ten (10) inches, and in some cases at five (5) or about five (5) inches from the first and second ends 16, 18. In other embodiments, the first and second auxiliary strands 50, 52 may be up to about six (6) or six (6) inches long.

With reference to FIG. 7, certain useful or even decorative implements 60 may be added to the body 12 if desired. The implements 60 may include a small watch for the keeping of time, certain medical gauges or electronic devices which are useful, such as a thermometer, a pedometer, pen or writing utensil, ear buds for use with a mobile telephone, the mobile phone, a blood pressure monitor, a face mask or the like. In essence, the article 10 can provide a handy place to store useful items. In the one embodiment, the implement 60 is mounted on the body 12 within one (1) or about one (1) inch to ten (10) or about ten (10) inches of the ends 16, 18 of the body 12. In another embodiment, the location of the implement 60 may be about five (5) inches or five (5) inches from the ends 16, 18 of the article 10.

In other embodiments, a face mask may be attached to the first and second auxiliary strands. In such embodiments, the end of the first auxiliary strand 50 has a first attachment member that receives a first associated ear loop of an associated mask and the second auxiliary strand 52 has a second attachment member that receives a second associated ear loop of the associated mask. In such embodiments, the first attachment member 22 on the first end 16 of the body 12 and the second attachment member 24 on the second end 18 of the body 12 may engage or attach to each other. Moreover, in such embodiments, the first auxiliary strand 50 and the second auxiliary strand 52 may attach to the body 12 at any length from the first end 16 and the second end 18 of the body 12 and may be any length, both lengths being suitable to allow an individual to apply the ear loops of a face mask over his or her ears.

With reference to FIG. 8, the overall length of the body 12 may be twenty-four (24) or about twenty-four (24) inches, and the location for the implement 60 may be about five (5) inches from the first and second ends 16, 18 of the body 12. In other cases, the overall length of the body 12 may be thirty (30) or about thirty (30) inches, and the location for the implement 60 may be about five (5) inches from the first and second ends 16, 18 of the body 12. However, it is to be understood that the overall length of the body may be any length and the location of the implement may be any distance from the first and second ends 16, 18 of the body as deemed suitable.

Now referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, in one embodiment of the invention, near the first end 16 and second end 18 of the body 12, the first and second auxiliary strands 50, 52 are added. In one embodiment, the first and second auxiliary strands 50, 52 are three (3) or about three (3) inches long and attach to the body 12 between one (1) or about (1) and ten (10) or about ten (10) inches, and in some cases at five (5) or about five (5) inches, from the ends 16, 18. In other embodiments, the first and second auxiliary strands 50, 52 may be up to about six (6) or six (6) inches long.

FIG. 10 provides examples of the types of decorative bodies 12 that can be used in the invention. Also shown in FIG. 10 are the implements 60, which can be used for utility or decorative purposes.

With reference to FIG. 11, the article 10 may be complemented by a kit. The kit may include an associated bag or container 62 for holding the article 10. The bag or container 62 may include a drawcord top, allowing for closure of the opening of the bag or container 62 and thereby facilitating easy delivery of the article 10, and if desired, storage.

With reference to FIG. 12, some finished articles 10, according to the invention, are illustrated. The first example shows a body made with dark chain-like material with two implements 60 located about five (5) inches or five (5) inches from the ends 16, 18 of the body 12. The middle example shows another body 12 made with chain-like material, but this time the chain has larger loops and is of a lighter material. The first and second auxiliary strands 50, 52 are shown. The attachment members 22, 24 are engaging the associated ear loops 44, 46 of the associated mask 40. Finally, the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 depicts a cord-like body made of a cloth cord with the attachment members 22, 24 gripping the associated ear loops 44, 46 of the associated mask 40.

In certain embodiments the length of the body may range between eighteen (18) and thirty (30) or about eighteen (18) and about thirty (30) inches and the length of the first and secondary auxiliary strands may range between three (3) and six (6) or about three (3) and about six (6) inches. In other embodiments, the length of the body may be twenty-four (24) or about twenty-four (24) inches. In still other embodiments, the body may be any length as deemed suitable by a person of ordinary skill in the art for use by an individual wearing a mask. In some embodiments, the first and second auxiliary strands may have the same or different lengths ranging between three (3) and six (6) or about three (3) and about (6) inches. The ratio of the length between a length of the body to a length of either the first and second auxiliary strands may be 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1 8:1, 9:1, 10:1; about 3:1, about 4:1, about 5:1, about 6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 9:1, about 10:1 or may range between 3:1 and 10:1 or may range from about 3:1 to about 10:1. It is further contemplated that the ratio between the overall length of the body to the position of the first and second auxiliary strand from the first or second end of the body may range between 12:5 to 24:1 or from about 12:5 to about 24:1, in some cases being 4.8:1. In other cases, the ratio between the overall length of the body to the position of the first and second auxiliary strand from the first or second end of the body may range between 3:1 to 30:1 or from about 3:1 to about 30:1.

Numerous embodiments have been described herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article for securing a face mask comprising: a body that is formed of an elongated flexible, cord-like material of cloth, chain, links, leather, cord, or a combination thereof; a first end on the body, wherein the first end has a first attachment member that is capable of engaging a first associated ear loop of an associated mask; a second end on the body, wherein the second end includes a second attachment member that is capable of engaging a second associated ear loop of the associated mask; a first auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 and 10 or between about 1 and about 10 inches from the first end; a second auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 and 10 or between about 1 and about 10 inches from the second end; and an implement that mounts to the body between 1 and 10 or about 1 and about 10 inches from the first end or the second end.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the first and second attachment members each comprise a spring-loaded clasp.
 3. The article of claim 2, wherein the spring-loaded clasp has a lever that, when depressed, opens a recess to receive the first associated ear loop and the second associated ear loop respectively.
 4. The article of claim 1, wherein the ratio of a length between the body and a length of the first and second auxiliary strands ranges between 3:1 and 8:1 or from about 3:1 to about 8:1.
 5. The article of claim 1, wherein the ratio between a length of the body and a position of the first auxiliary strand and second auxiliary strand respectively from a first end and second end of the body ranges between 12:5 or about 12:5 to 24:1 or about 24:1.
 6. The article of claim 5, wherein the ratio between the length of the body and the position of the first auxiliary strand and second auxiliary strand is 4.8:1.
 7. The article of claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary strand and the second auxiliary strand are each about 3 or 3 inches in length, wherein the first auxiliary stand attaches to the body at about 5 or 5 inches from the first end, wherein the second auxiliary stand attaches to the body at about 5 or 5 inches from the second end.
 8. The article of claim 1, wherein the implement attaches to the body at about 5 or 5 inches from the first end or the second end.
 9. The article of claim 5, wherein the implement comprises at least one of a small watch, medical gauges, electronic devices, a thermometer, a pedometer, a pen or writing utensil, ear buds, a mobile phone, a blood pressure monitor, or a combination thereof.
 10. An article for securing a face mask comprising: a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed of an elongated flexible, cord-like material of cloth, chain, leather, links, cord, or a combination thereof; a first attachment member on the first end, wherein the first attachment member is a spring-loaded clasp that has a lever that, when depressed, opens a recess; a second attachment member on the second end, wherein the second attachment member is the spring-loaded clasp with the lever that, when depressed, opens a recess; a first auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 and 10 inches or between about 1 and about 10 inches from the first end and which includes a first attachment member on at the end of the first auxiliary strand, the first attachment member comprising a spring-loaded clasp that has a lever that, when depressed, opens a recess; a second auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 and 10 inches or between about 1 and about 10 inches from the second end and which includes a second attachment member on at the end of the first auxiliary strand, the first attachment member comprising a spring-loaded clasp that has a lever that, when depressed, opens a recess; and an implement that mounts to the body between 1 and 10 inches or between about 1 and about 10 inches from the first end or the second end.
 11. The article of claim 10, wherein the implement comprises a small watch, medical gauges, electronic devices, a thermometer, a pedometer, a pen or writing utensil, ear buds, a mobile phone, a blood pressure monitor, a face mask or a combination thereof.
 12. The article of claim 10, wherein the ratio of a length between the body and a length of the first and second auxiliary strands ranges between 3:1 and 8:1 or from about 3:1 to about 8:1.
 13. The article of claim 12, wherein the ratio between a length of the body and a position of the first auxiliary strand and second auxiliary strand respectively from a first end and second end of the body ranges between 12:5 or about 12:5 to 24:1 or about 24:1.
 14. The article of claim 13, wherein the ratio between the length of the body and the position of the first auxiliary strand and second auxiliary strand is 4.8:1.
 15. A method for making a face mask holding article comprising the steps of: providing a body that is formed of an elongated flexible, cord-like material of cloth, chain, leather, links, cord, or a combination thereof, wherein the body has a first and a second end; providing a first attachment member on the first end of the body, wherein the first attachment member comprises a spring-loaded clasp with a lever which when depressed, opens a recess; providing a second attachment member on the second end of the body, wherein the second attachment member comprises a spring-loaded clasp with a lever which when depressed, opens a recess; providing a first auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 or about 1 and 10 or about 10 inches from the first end; providing a second auxiliary strand that attaches to the body between 1 or about 1 and 10 or about 10 inches from the second end; and providing an implement that mounts to the body between 1 and 10 inches from the first end or the second end.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first auxiliary strand comprises first attachment member, wherein the first attachment member comprises a spring-loaded clasp with a lever which when depressed, opens a recess and the second auxiliary strand comprises a second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member comprises a spring-loaded clasp with a lever which when depressed, opens a recess.
 17. The method of claim 15, comprising: depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the first attachment member at the first end of the body to open the recess; inserting a first associated ear loop of an associated mask into the open recess on the first attachment member at the first end of the body; releasing the lever on the spring-load clasp on the first attachment member to close the recess; depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member at the second end of the body to open the recess; inserting a second associated ear loop of the associated mask into the open recess on the second attachment member at the second end of the body; and releasing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member at the second end of the body to close the recess.
 18. The method of claim 16 comprising: depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the first attachment member of the first auxiliary strand to open the recess; inserting the implement into the open recess on the first attachment member of the first auxiliary strand; releasing the lever on the spring-load clasp on the first attachment member of the first auxiliary strand to close the recess; depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member of the second auxiliary strand to open the recess; inserting the implement into the open recess on the second attachment member of the second auxiliary member; and releasing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the second attachment member of the second auxiliary member to close the recess.
 19. The method of claim 18 comprising depressing the lever on the spring-loaded clasp on the first attachment member at the first end of the body to open the recess; inserting the second attachment member at the second end of the body into the open recess on the first attachment member at the first end of the body; and releasing the lever on the spring-load clasp on the first attachment member to close the recess.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the implement comprises a small watch, medical gauges, electronic devices, a thermometer, a pedometer, a pen or writing utensil, ear buds, a mobile phone, a blood pressure monitor, a face mask or a combination thereof. 